An individual owner (2 rentals, 4 units at most) may ask for 2 months, but not from a service member.
Depends on the year the building was built.
From Santa Monica Rent Control Regulations § 14002, read Oct 3, 2026.Show the law
“The landlord may
demand a security deposit in an amount equal to two months’ rent if the prospective tenant is not a
service member and both the following are true:”
Santa Monica Rent Control Regulations § 14002 · santamonica.gov
Who can help
Ask the Santa Monica Rent Control BoardFree counselors explain your options, by phone or in person.Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Get free legal helpThey can help you ask for it, or go to small claims court.LawHelpCA
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Santa Monica lawDepends on the building
Santa Monica Rent Control Regulations ch. 14: security deposit ceiling and interest-bearing account
How big can the deposit be?
Max 1 month's rent.
An individual owner (2 rentals, 4 units at most) may ask for 2 months, but not from a service member.
Depends on the year the building was built.
Who it covers
Buildings completed on or before Apr 10, 1979.
Not owner-occupied buildings with 3 units or fewer.
Covers: Controlled rental units under Santa Monica rent control.
In force since
Dec 7, 1983
Enacted
Nov 17, 1983
The law, word for word
“The landlord may
demand a security deposit in an amount equal to two months’ rent if the prospective tenant is not a
service member and both the following are true:”
Santa Monica Rent Control Regulations § 14002 · santamonica.gov · Retrieved Oct 3, 2026
California lawIn force
California security deposit cap and handling (AB 12)
How big can the deposit be?
Max 1 month's rent.
An individual owner (2 rentals, 4 units at most) may ask for 2 months, but not from a service member.
Who it covers
Covers: Security for rental agreements of residential property used as the tenant's dwelling.
In force since
Jul 1, 2024
Current version since
Jan 1, 2026
The law, word for word
“a landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of an amount equal to one month’s rent, in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy …”